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Divisions, Categories, Rules, and General Judging Criteria

SAF has two divisions: Open (amateur) and SAF Elite Pro (professional).

Any woman 18 years of age or older from anywhere in the world can compete in the Open division; no previous competitive experience is required.

The top-3 finishers in every Open competition qualify for SAF Elite Pro status and become eligible to compete in Elite Pro-level events. The only way to attain SAF Elite Pro status is through competing at an SAF event in the Open category and placing in the top 3; we do not accept placings from other organizations.

Open Division: Three Categories

There are three competition categories in the Open division: Fitness Model, Athletic Swimsuit Model, and Bikini Model (new for 2014)

Fitness Models are judged over two rounds in the following clothing: bikini and fitnesswear/themewear. The bikini must be in good taste – no thong-type bikinis or see-through fabrics are allowed. A good guideline is to consider if the bikini can be shown on primetime TV. If so, it will be fine for the stage; if not, it is probably not suitable for the stage. Please inquire if you are unsure.

The fitnesswear/themewear round allows the competitor to dress up a little more flamboyantly in order to show off their physique as well as their personality. Competitors are free to choose the outfit they wish to wear. As with the bikini round, the costume must be in good taste. Some entrants choose a fitness outfit or costume with a fitness/sports theme, while otherspresent a completely different theme that's not sport-oriented. But in every case, it's important to note that whatever outfit is chosen, the judges will be primarily assessing the physique, not the costume, so the competitor must make sure that their physique is still visible. (However, that doesn't mean the outfit's attractiveness doesn't matter -- there is a special award called Best in Costume where the look of the costume is rewarded.)

Shoes are to be worn for both rounds and there is no stipulation on heel height. Jewellery is fine. If props are used for the fitnesswear/themewear round, the competitor must be able to carry them on and off the stage without assistance.

The placing a Fitness Model competitor receives combines the bikini and fitnesswear/themewear rounds.

General physique judging criteria: SAF judges looks for a overall package that combines a healthy, athletic, attractive, in-shape look that inspiring to other women. Fitness Models should be in shape and toned with good definition -- they must be athletic looking in a way that indicates their look has been arrived at through vigorous exercise. However, Fitness Models should not excessively excessively muscular so that their look is no longer femine, nor should they be so lean and defined that their look is unhealthy. Fitness Models have the look that magazines such as Strong, Oxygen, Fitness RX, and Muscle & Fitness Hers promote,

Athletic Swimsuit Models are judged in one round wearing a bikini of the competitor's choice. The bikini must be in good taste – no thong-type bikinis and no see-through fabrics are allowed. A good guideline is to consider if the bikini can be shown on primetime TV. If so, it will be fine for the stage; if not, it is probably not suitable for the stage. Please inquire if you are unsure.

Shoes must be worn and there is no stipulation on heel height. Jewellery is fine. No props are allowed as this category focuses exclusively on the appearance of the competitor in a bikini.

Unlike the Fitness Model competition, the Swimsuit/Figure Models have only one round to make an impact on the judges, which can sometimes have an effect on whether the competitor chooses this category or the two-round Fitness Model category since the judging criteria is similar.

General physique judging criteria: The criteria for this class is identical to Fitness Model. SAF judges looks for a overall package that combines a healthy, athletic, attractive, in-shape look that inspiring to other women. Athletic Swimsuit Models should be in shape and toned with good definition -- they must be athletic looking in a way that indicates their look has been arrived at through vigorous exercise. However, Athletic Swimsuit Models should not excessively excessively muscular so that their look is no longer femine, nor should they be so lean and defined that their look is unhealthy. The difference between this category and Fitness Model is that there only one round. Athletic Swimsuit Models have the look that magazines such as Strong, Oxygen, Fitness RX, and Muscle & Fitness Hers promote.

Bikini Models are judged in one round wearing a bikini of the competitor's choice. The bikini must be in good taste – no thong-type bikinis and no see-through fabrics are allowed. A good guideline is to consider if the bikini can be shown on primetime TV. If so, it will be fine for the stage; if not, it is probably not suitable for the stage. Please inquire if you are unsure.

Shoes must be worn and there is no stipulation on heel height. Jewellery is fine. No props are allowed as this category focuses exclusively on the appearance of the competitor in a bikini.

Unlike the Fitness Model competition, but like the Athletic Swimsuit Models, the Bikini Models have only one round to make an impact on the judges. Although this category is similar to Athletic Swismuit Model, the judging criteria for it differs, since it's important to understand the distinction.

General judging criteria: SAF judges looks for a overall package that combines a healthy, athletic, attractive, in-shape look that inspiring to other women. However, unlike Fitness Model and Athletic Swimsuit Model, the judges will place less emphasis on muscle tone and definition for this category (competitors must still be in shape on the stage, mind you), and more emphasis on overall body shape (an hourglass figure is desirable, for example) and beauty. Bikini Models have the look that magazines such as Sports Illustrated and Shape promote.

SAF Elite Pro Division: One Category

The SAF Elite Pro competition has one category that is similar to Fitness Model in that the competitors have two rounds: one in a bikini and the other in fitnesswear/themewear. The same standards for the suits, shoes, jewellery and props apply.

The main difference in this competition compared to Open Fitness Model is that the SAF Elite competitors are scored independently over the two rounds, which increases the chance for a tie and sometimes requires further judging. The SAF Elite competitors are also judged on all aspects of their presentation, including how they conduct themselves onstage while posing and presenting their physiques, whereas the judges don't prioritize the performance aspects in the Open division.

"SAF stands out to me as an amazing organization to compete with, because of the camaraderie and friendship between the competitors  it takes away from the stress of competing, as everyone helps you and cheers you on. Its professional and well-run  you won't feel like just a number. Lots of stage time, and incredible opportunities for people who compete with SAF!"